Moving to a new home in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hampton or Newport News —or across Virginia, means more than just packing boxes and hiring Absolute Moving Company. It’s also important to inform the various people and organizations in your life about your new address. Missing this step can lead to missed mail, interrupted services, and even legal issues if important documents are sent to your old home. Here’s a guide on who to notify and how to go about it, ensuring a smooth transition to your new residence.

1. Personal Contacts

It’s essential to let your family and friends know that you’re moving so they can stay in touch and have your updated information.

Who to Notify:

• Close family members and friends
• Extended family
• Neighbors and community contacts

How to Notify:

• Email or Text: A simple message with your new address and moving date is an easy way to notify a large group at once.
• Personalized Card or Letter: If you prefer a personal touch, send a moving announcement card. This can be as formal or casual as you like and is perfect for friends and family.
• Social Media: Rather than posting a status update with your new address details (not recommended for security reasons ) or create a private group or group message where you share this information with select people.

2. Business and Professional Contacts

For business owners, freelancers, or individuals who have professional relationships, informing key contacts ensures smooth communication, especially for billing and correspondence.

Who to Notify:

• Clients and customers
• Vendors and suppliers
• Business partners and collaborators
• Financial institutions (banks, credit unions)
• Tax professionals and accountants
• Lawyer and legal counsel

How to Notify:

• Email Update: Send a professional email with your new address to clients, partners, and suppliers. Include any changes to contact information and a message ensuring your business operations won’t be interrupted.
• Business Letter: For more formal relationships, send a change-of-address letter on your company’s letterhead.
• Website Update: If you run a business, be sure to update your website, social media profiles, and Google My Business listing with your new address.

3. Utility Companies

To ensure you’re not paying for services at your old home (and that they’re up and running at your new place), contact utility companies ahead of time.

Who to Notify:

• Electric company—Dom.com
• Gas company—VirginiaNaturalGas.com
• Your City’s municipal water utility
• Hampton Roads Sanitation District—HRSD.com
• Internet, cable, and phone service providers
• Home security providers

How to Notify:

• Online Forms: Most utility providers have online forms to notify them of a move and schedule shutoff or activation dates.
• Phone Call: You may need to call customer service, especially if special equipment (like cable or internet routers) needs to be returned or installed.

4. Government Agencies

Keeping your records updated with government agencies is critical for tax filings, legal matters, and identity verification.

Who to Notify:

• U.S. Postal Service (USPS) – to forward your mail
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – for your driver’s license and vehicle registration
• IRS – to ensure tax documents reach you
• Social Security Administration (if applicable)
• Voter Registration Office
• Local property tax office

How to Notify:

• USPS Mail Forwarding: The USPS offers an easy online form to forward your mail to your new address. This service typically lasts for 12 months for first-class mail.
• Online Forms: Most government agencies allow you to change your address online, including the DMV and IRS.
• In-Person Visits: In some cases, you may need to visit an office in person, especially for updating your driver’s license or voter registration.

5. Financial Institutions

Ensuring your banks and credit card companies have the correct address is important to prevent any interruptions in services or security issues.

Who to Notify:

• Banks and credit unions
• Credit card companies
• Mortgage lender
• Investment and retirement accounts
• Insurance providers (home, auto, health, life)

How to Notify:

• Online Accounts: Most banks and financial institutions allow you to update your address through their websites or apps.
• Phone Call: For mortgage lenders or specialized financial services, calling might be the fastest way to ensure your address is updated.

6. Subscriptions and Memberships

Don’t forget to update your address for any recurring deliveries or memberships to avoid missed services or deliveries.

Who to Notify:

• Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
• Subscription boxes (meal kits, clothing, etc.)
• Gym or fitness memberships
• Streaming services (some require an updated location for local content)
• Online shopping accounts (Amazon, eBay, etc.)

How to Notify:

• Online Account Updates: Most subscription services offer a quick and easy way to change your address online.
• Phone Call: For gym memberships or any service requiring an in-person contract, calling or visiting the location might be required.

7. Healthcare Providers

To ensure you receive important medical records and appointment reminders, update your address with your healthcare providers.

Who to Notify:

• Doctor’s office
• Dentist
• Pharmacy
• Specialist healthcare providers
• Health insurance company

How to Notify:

• Phone Call or Online Portal: Many healthcare providers have online patient portals where you can update your address. Otherwise, a phone call will suffice.
• Health Insurance Provider: Be sure to notify your health insurance company so you can continue receiving coverage and important correspondence.

8. Schools and Educational Institutions

If you have children in school or are attending classes yourself, updating your contact details with educational institutions is essential for smooth communication.

Who to Notify:

• Children’s schools and daycare centers
• Colleges or universities (if applicable)
• Alumni associations
• Library memberships

How to Notify:

• Email or Online Form: Most schools and universities have dedicated contact information update forms on their websites.
• In-Person Meeting: For children’s schools, you may want to visit and ensure everything is in order for the transition.

Conclusion

Keeping your address up to date with the right people and organizations is a critical part of moving that can save you from future headaches. By creating a checklist of who to notify and taking advantage of online resources, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home without any missed connections. Start early, keep it organized, and your move will be all the more successful!